My Memories & Melancholy A Paradox

by Haunt Tether

Shown through his eyes, this is the story of Haunt's final involuntary conscription by ⟨Redacted⟩ his endeavor for redemption ultimately developed to how he saved indeterminate amount of lives throughout the vast alternate realities against an entity that developed the same kind of ambitions ⟨Redacted⟩ had upon entering this plane of existence.

7. Chapter 2 - Sequence 3: Silver Linings

⟨Darkness⟩

I woke up afraid, meanwhile as my heart was already beating fast in response to the nightmare I just had... immediately, I sat up straight and looked beside me to realize that I've been leaning onto Hesh's shoulder, plus from the looks of it, evidently she's been crying for some time... thinking back to that nightmare, my head was presumably bit by something or that creature, I touched my face intended to reassure myself if I was indeed alright, which as a result led to the realization that my H.P. Mask, Balaclava, and Ushanka aren't on me anymore... Hesh then embraced me before I could say anything before proceeding to sob on my shoulder... she also held me close as if I had the likelihood to just disappear otherwise... I was confused, but since I'm still empathetic I was melancholic in response and hugged her back without question, she cried harder as a result... this was the first time that I've seen her emotionally vulnerable.

After a moment of us embracing without a word...

"What happened?" I asked.

"I-I don't even know... before we could reach the door to our room I heard this... eerie static from you before-... you just suddenly fell on the floor dead... Iris confirmed it and I thought-..." she said with sensible emotional restraint in her voice.

"I hope I didn't make a scene," I said which made her chuckle before it transitioned to crying again.

"You didn't," she replied her voice cracking a bit as her grip on me became a bit firm.

"... then thank you for carrying the corpse that I am," I replied intended to lighten the mood which was ineffective.

"... I just don't want you to lose you anymore," she said, depressed, genuinely afraid of that concept.

After a brief moment of silence between us...

She scoots back to look at me whilst wiping away the tears using her hand, whilst also sniffling a bit... I was in a way, a bit absorbed by the thought that she cried because she lost me... considering this was the first time I've seen her like this, at that moment I was unsure if her emotion was genuine, pessimistic and cynical that I am, I was skeptical... yes, I hoped it was genuine and fortunately it was, although I wasn't reassuringly aware at that time... anyway, she then spoke.

"Did you experience something when you were knocked out?" she asked.

"... I uh, had a nightmare," I replied.

"What was it about?" she asked with a bit of hoarseness in her voice.

"... I'm not sure, but I think it was a memory that belonged to one of my variants," I replied.

"Care to elaborate?" she asked before clearing her throat.

"It'll likely add to your brewing melancholy or depressed state of mind," I replied which she chuckles a bit in response.

"So, you care?" she asked with a bit of hoarseness in her voice before clearing her throat once again, meanwhile as she looked at me intently.

"... apparently enough, out of impulse likely," I replied which made her smile before it then abruptly disappeared.

"Don't forget who I am Haunt... what you recall hence loathe me for," she reminds.

"I didn't... are you looking to start a fight by any chance?" I replied as my contempt and loathe for her spiked a tad bit in response.

"Do I look like I want to start a fight?" she asked.

"I don't know, anyone can be surprising, especially you, considering our horrible histories together," I replied as loathe for her kindled a tad bit.

After a brief moment of silence between us as we look at each other...

She presumably intended to touch my face but instead transitioned her act to pat me on my shoulder a bit, before immediately blushing lightly then looking away.

"Duly noted," she said.

"... you could've played pretend considering the what if likelihood," I said as she took her hand off my shoulder and looked back at me.

"I could've but I'm no fool, besides I prefer it be me actually... also that concept is just wishful thinking," she replied.

"I know how you operate Haunt," she adds, intended also as a reminder.

"... I wish you didn't know me better or at all," I replied as my loathe for her spiked.

"... too bad," she replied, smiling albeit saddened by my words.

After a bit of silence between us...

"... so what was this nightmare of yours? I'm curious," she asked, now much more composed unlike before.

"Although our memory is remarkable, my presentation will likely not be accurate or precise," I replied.

"Understandable," she replied with a nod.

"... I was running, the sense of urgency and dread present as I hurriedly navigate myself through the mostly dark hallways... although there were some lighting I wouldn't be surprised if I got lost," I begin.

"My hands were holding something although I didn't know what those were... not long I then see an open doorway ahead of me hence in response I doubled my pace heading towards it," I explained.

"... I then abruptly stopped when something coming from the adjacent room the doorway leads to then appeared in my line of sight... whatever it was, it booked it towards me... the sense of fear was so strong albeit abrupt that it made me wake up with a fast heartbeat," I continued.

"... I think I died... but that's about it," I add which she nod in response.

"... good, because it kickstarted your heart and brought you back to me," she said.

"... do you think it's because something happened to Juno?" I asked.

"Likely which is worrisome... I sure hope it wasn't because of the fruit shake you consumed last night," she replied, smiling but sensibly concerned for my health which made me smile a bit.

"Where's the entirety of my headgear?" I asked looking around to see my Ushanka and Balaclava on the coffee table, nearby the couch.

After wearing both accordingly, I looked back at Hesh to timely see her bit her lip and scoot closer to me, since she was intently looking at me I noticed her eyes were dilating, meanwhile as her smile then widens gradually... presuming where this is headed or will develop, I then spoke, intended to subtly or discreetly deescalate this shift occurrence.

"Where's my mask Hesh?" I asked which she giggled in response as she looked at me intently.

"I left it by the bed," she replied which I nod before I stood up off the couch, intending to disconnect myself since my subtle means of de-escalation didn't work.

In a bit of a fast sequence, I was abruptly stopped when she grabbed my right arm, I was then pulled back down to sit on the couch with her... immediately, she straddled herself to sit on my lap as she wrapped her arms around my neck, before affectionately pressing her forehead against mine... impulsively in response, I grabbed her by her waist, meanwhile as she then unlocked the simple lock mechanism of my balaclava that's on the bridge of my nose... after pulling down the part that's covering the lower part of my face hence exposing it, she then put her hand that was responsible for exposing my face to my right shoulder, before putting it on the side of my neck... immediately after she leaned in beside my right ear then spoke in a hushed albeit seductive tone.

"I really wanna do bad things to you, I don't want you gone especially if I haven't got my fill yet... I want you inside of me, let's fuck up each other... please me," she said, huskily, almost pleadingly too as she suggestively wiggled back and forth on my lap a bit.

... her seduction appealed to my impulsive nature, in response my eyes lingered on her lips for a second, she noticed this hence she licked her lips before brushing it on mine then hovering it teasingly close, all the while staring straight at my eyes expectantly, lustfully... unfortunately for her, my level-headedness then regained its footing, which my memories of everything that I recall is responsible for... although by nature it was undoubtedly self-deprecating, it was a reality check... I frown before I spoke.

"The fuck am I doing?" I impulsively ask myself which made Hesh pull away to look at me intently albeit with a raised brow in response.

... the anomalous happenstance pertaining to my memories and the nature of my unnatural mind as a result of this, has somehow led to the development of this strange safeguard... this functions as a reality check which undoubtedly counters or makes me resist influences that'll make me do things that I wouldn't, especially without my own actual volition and discretion, like say for example if both have been tampered with or manipulated... whether it's via magic, manipulating reality or an effective effort, my self-deprecating notions, ample low opinion about myself and my memories by nature will always rhetorically make me question myself... this will lead me to then inevitably resist without fail... the only exemption of this are Auditors like Juno who unsurprisingly are absurdly capable of editing such nature for their convenience, or intended outcome of interest... anyway, I then spoke.

"Get off," I replied as my loathe for her spiked a bit which made her frown in response.

She then attempted to kiss me or intended to lip-lock but I impulsively shove her back in response which got her off of me... fortunately, the table nearby wasn't destroyed or damaged by her collision, indifferent about her and also agitated a bit in mind, I stood up then walked around the couch meanwhile as Hesh was now on the floor on her butt, unsurprisingly upset of my denial, especially to give in to her... yes, she didn't sat there and accepted it... she was quick to intervene, because after I went around the couch she grabbed my left arm... in a swift skillful and dextrous act I effortlessly got out of her grasp, unsurprisingly she was displeased by this, she then surprised me when she attempted to grapple me, but unfortunately for her, the benefits of losing significant battles throughout countless histories which I recall, in a way refined my combat experiences and skill... with that said, I restrain her on the floor via trivial finesse and dexterity which made her more upset... she then spoke, meanwhile ad I continue to forcibly press her on the floor.

"Oh you fuck!?" she exclaimed as she struggled.

"I'll back down if you back down," I retort.

After a brief moment of her struggling and upset...

She then suddenly laughed for a bit before she relaxed her body and spoke.

"Alright, I'm done," she said, as a result I quit restraining her and continued my intentions of getting my mask.

"... you're cockblocking yourself from pleasure, from me you idiot," she said, her anger kindling again of being rejected, meanwhile, as I took off my Ushanka to wear my H.P. Mask.

"... I'm an idiot, you're right... I shouldn't even be here yet I still chose to accept, especially for something that's uncertain, more so that I'm trusting and relying on my enemies," I replied after I wear all my headgear back.

I expected a retort or quip from her but surprisingly there was none, as a result I looked back at her in response, curious and questionable, only to see her now looking away, saddened by my words once again... I felt bad enough hence I approached her, once close I offered my hand out for her to take... she let out a sigh in response before taking my hand for me to help her up off the floor, back to her feet.

"... could you save that finesse for when you fuck me-" she said before I cut her off.

"Quit being lustful," I said, annoyed, she giggled and blushed as she looked away in response.

After a brief awkward moment of silence between us...

"... I apologize for my attitude... obviously I could not help it since you're so, so endearing for me that I just wanna fuck... I'm longing to make you all mine," she said which I shrugged.

She huffed and crossed both of her arms in response, meanwhile as she looked at me displeased, evidently from the familiar tough and cold look on her face that I recall, she unsurprisingly wasn't appreciating my seeming indifference, she continued as she glared at me, saying...

"I'll just have to work harder, and trust me that I will... especially get you inside me and enjoy you," she determinedly said, which caught me off guard, as a result this made my heart impulsively flutter a bit in response.

"... I somehow don't doubt that," I replied, unsure how to respond which made her smile then grin.

"You're my melancholic cherry," she said.

"... in the meantime you'll just have to tolerate what your name suggests or implies," I comment.

"Yeah, and what's that?" she asked with a raised brow.

"Big splash, no penetration," I replied which made her smirk then grin in response.

"Not yet anyway," she said as she longingly looked at my face, specifically and presumably at my lips which was concealed by mask, her gaze then shifted down to my crotch.

... I was uncomfortable, plus as a result of what I'm seeing from her, I was about to say something reprimanding when someone suddenly knocked on the door to our room, startling me and making Hesh tense as a rest... we looked at each other before back at the door of our room before I spoke.

"We weren't expecting any company correct?" I asked as I unholstered my pistol.

"As far as I know," she replied, sensibly wary and on guard before the knocking returned, this time sounding more urgent.

"... ready?" I asked, preparing myself for combat.

"Yup," she replied, presumably also preparing herself to fight.

... I unlocked then opened the door via telekinesis whilst my weapon is now up and ready to engage... the person on the other side who was knocking was Audrey who let out a gasp before immediately putting both her hands up, in response to seeing us both with our firearms aimed at her... relieved that it wasn't trouble, I lowered my pistol and Hesh presumably did as well hence Audrey let out a sigh in response before putting both her hands down and spoke.

"I didn't interrupt anything did I?" she asked, glancing at Hesh meanwhile as I holstered my pistol.

"Nope," I replied.

"If we were sleeping then you would've," Hesh replied, I look at her in response intended as an expression that she should be careful of her word use, she understood this hence she rolled her eyes at me.

"I apologize but I bring very bad news, Jimmy and Henry are in deep trouble," Audrey said which immediately albeit understandably got both my and Hesh's attention.

"Akan has managed to locate the whereabouts of his lab thus his mercs are currently raiding it, unluckily, Jimmy and Henry were in the lab when the raid began," she continues.

"Where's his lab?" I asked.

"I unfortunately don't know," she replied, saddened by this fact.

"When did this happen?" Hesh asked.

"For a while I presume, I came to you guys immediately after Jimmy and I were done talking via phone," she replied.

"He also told me to inform you both to pack your stuff, he wants you two out of Moscow since this place is no longer reliably safe," she adds.

"... does Holga or Katya know the whereabouts of Jimmy's lab?" I asked.

"It's worth a try," she replied.

Suddenly, a voice then called out to Audrey, she looked in the direction of the caller in response then waved the person over, meanwhile as Hesh and I went outside to the corridor... once the staff member of this Hotel got close enough, he then spoke.

"Akan's mercenaries are in the lobby, searching for two people matching their description," he said before he nodded towards the direction of Hesh and I.

"... shit, Haunt your phone please," she said looking at me before offering her hand which I complied.

... after giving my phone to her she hastily utilized it before giving it back to me when she was done... the phone displayed a particular area of the map of the city, a marker was on one of the buildings near a street, Audrey then spoke.

"It's a high-class establishment, Katya and Holga are more than likely there, unfortunately, I don't know their cell number thus you both have to journey to them," she then said which I nod.

"Lead them out without being detected," she said looking at the staff member who nodded in response.

"What about you?" I asked which abruptly stopped the staff member from proceeding to lead the way onwards.

"The mercs will likely kill virtually everyone in this hotel as a means of flushing you both out of hiding, alternatively as consequence... I have to address them so that won't likely happen," she said.

"We can stay and fight," Hesh suggests.

"No it'll only do more harm than good considering the magnitude of the situation... besides I can imagine that both Jimmy and Henry wouldn't hold long, now go," she replied, the staff member then resumed his duty of leading the way.

"Follow me," he said meanwhile as Hesh follows behind him.

"... we'll avenge you if you get killed, I can guarantee that," I said, looking at Audrey.

"Thank you," she replied before suddenly hugging me, I hugged her back in response.

"I don't fully understand your journey ahead but I've had only countable hints as to what... from what I can tell... my read is that you-..." she said before stopping herself meanwhile as her embrace tightened a bit.

"... promise me that you'll do your best to stay strong, please Haunt, promise me," she continued as she let go of me and stepped back, she looked at me with her now teary eyes which both confused and worried me.

"... I'll do my best, promise," I replied which made her smile, knowing that my response was genuine.

"Thank you for everything, I'll remember you," I add which made her blush a bit.

... I hesitated to leave for a second because I wasn't alright leaving her alone to face her problem considering the likely unpleasant outcome... but I complied hence I turned around to hastily catch up with Hesh and the leading staff member that are now ahead in the corridor, although I was troubled in mind by this... once I caught up with them Hesh then spoke.

"Did I do the right thing, leaving you both be to say your goodbyes?" she asked as I now followed beside her.

"... she hugged me and told me to stay strong," I replied.

"... I think I made the right move," she said before smiling and glancing at me.

"I was surprised that you left me with her," I replied which she grinned in response.

"You thought that I'll be jealous?" she asked which I nod.

"... well I am, although only for a bit... but then I thought that if I couldn't get through you because of how dense you are, then what's there to worry about," she said.

"... I'll take that as not a compliment and that you're arrogant," I replied which she smirk in response.

Eventually...

At this point we were now outside of the Hotel, fortunately without encountering trouble and being detected by any of Akan's mercenaries, the staff member then stopped and turned around to look at us before he spoke.

"This is where I have to depart, good luck and stay safe friends," he said to us before he hastily went back towards the hotel.

"Hesh let's switch phones, you lead the way and I'll follow, meanwhile as I try contacting Jimmy via your phone," I said looking at her which she nod in response.

After a while...

"I still can't contact him, likely because of a jammer," I said putting the phone in one of my pockets.

"Or they're dead," Hesh retorts.

"... let's still try," I replied which made her grin then nod in response.

After a brief moment...

"... should we grab a cab or something, from where we are now it's quite the distance to reach this establishment... alternatively we can run the whole way which is no problem, but it'll be overt," she said.

"Not here," I then said as I pulled her with me behind nearby cover.

After a bit of waiting...

Luckily the van patrolling didn't notice or detect us hence it drove on, when I looked back at Hesh, she was now intently looking at me with low lid eyes as she bit her lip suggestively, presumably in a way aroused by me forcing her back to a wall, uncomfortable of what I'm seeing I removed my hand from her shoulder and stepped back which disrupted her trance.

"We'll undoubtedly go to public places," Hesh said intended for me to remove my mask which I understood hence I complied.

"... I wish you'd show yourself more," she comments as she looked at me intently which I ignore.

After some time...

... we arrived at the location which was surprisingly alright since at the time we expected Akan's troops already there for some reason, raiding the building, managing to also find the whereabouts of Katya and Holga... we both approached the door then utilized the knocker to knock which was designed to look like a pierced boob... the door then opened to reveal two men in suits which were guards of this establishment.

"Чего ты хочешь?" the guard who has a bald head asked.

"Это Хеш, и мои друзья зовут меня Хаунт, мы здесь, чтобы поговорить с Холгой и Катей," I replied as I step forward to stand beside Hesh.

"... Сообщите им," the bald guy said to his fellow guard who gave a nod in response before going away.

"Оставайся здесь," he said to us before closing the door.

After a moment of waiting outside with Hesh...

The door opened which revealed Katya on the other side who was wearing a black tracksuit... she nod at us intended as a gesture or expression to come in which we understood hence we both followed after her... this high-end establishment is a strip club but it's more than that, like, if people wanted some intimate pleasure or sex this is also one of those places... there were a lot of beautiful and attractive women inside, all of which were wearing the same sexy attire... no, I was uncomfortable, more so when I noticed a lot of people were looking at me... I did my best to not make eye contact with anyone as I walked beside Hesh, who then draws closer to me as she locked her arm around mine which I ignore.

"I don't like how some of the women here are giving you those looks y'know," she comments, in a passive aggressive tone.

"If you can't tell, I'm doing my best to ignore my surroundings Hesh," I replied which she grinned in response.

"I've noticed," she replied.

"... focus on me if you want, I don't mind," she suggests.

"You'd want that would you?" I asked as I looked at her.

"Yes," she replied before smirking then sending me a kiss or smooch expression, I looked away and shook my head a bit in response which made her giggle.

Eventually...

By this point, I've already sufficiently informed Katya of the purpose of our sudden visit, especially the situation concerning Jimmy and Henry, including Audrey's... she led us to one of the private rooms that wasn't occupied then told us to wait there since she'll be getting Holga... we both nod in response and complied hence Katya went out of the room hastily, closing the door behind on her way out.

"... *giggle* look at you, so tense and cautious," Hesh then comments looking at me with low lid eyes.

"Not helping," I replied which she giggles in response.

"It's not my fault you're timid and intimidated when there's a lot of pretty women around you, more so to those who are interested... it's a good thing then that I'm with you, to protect and save you from any of them," she said which I ignore.

"... since we're alone I have an idea on how I can help you relax," she said in a sexy manner as she walked towards me.

"Back off," I said impulsively and threateningly, annoyed of her which she complied with her hands up as a gesture of yielding.

... Hesh then let out a sigh before she went to the luxurious pink heart-shaped bed in the room then sat down on it... I felt awkward and uncomfortable just standing there as we waited hence I joined her on the bed, I then spoke.

"Be careful what you touch, you never know," I comment which made her laugh in response.

"... I do know what I want and that's you, babe," she said scooting closer to me, she then touched and caressed my leg which made me impulsively shiver in response.

"You really like messing with my integrity and discipline," I replied scooting away from her a bit which she grins in response.

"I know you know that it's not entirely just me messing with you, I'd indulge you if you make a move, you'd be surprised-" she said before I cut her off.

"I'll be a pussy about it instead, so no," I replied which she pouts in response.

"You're no fun," she said.

"... from what I recall, I'm not typically a guy you would expect to be fun, let alone lively and exciting," I replied.

"But we can change that starting right now," she said before smiling as her eyes dilate a bit.

"Don't lie, deep down you like it when I'm like this which I don't mind, trust me when I say that this isn't an act, *giggle* after all I'm just madly into you," she continued as she looked at me longingly.

"What has gotten into you?" I asked, not used to her being like this.

"Nothing and I want you to be the first and only," she replied as she took my right hand and began to gently massage it.

"... is there anything I can do to make you shut up that doesn't involve kissing or sex?" I asked as I pulled my hand away from her.

"... hold my hand and let me be close to you, then I'll shut up this whole wait," she replied, I let out a sigh before I hesitantly complied to Hesh's delight.

"Let's be real, I doubt that I haven't made or failed to get a rise out of you at some point," she sexily said which I ignore.

Not long of quietly waiting with Hesh close by...

The door suddenly opened hence coincidentally both Hesh and I unholstered our pistols, aiming it at the entrance of the room in sync which startled both Katya and Holga, immediately we holstered our weapons and stood up after... in addition, Holga was wearing a black overall, also she brought her katana with her which was sheathed at the moment.

"мы ведь ничего не испортили?" Holga then asked.

"нет," I replied.

"У нас есть только плохие новости, мы не знаем, где находится лаборатория Джимми," Katya explains.

"Shit," I impulsively said in response.

"What?" Hesh who's beside me asked.

"They don't know," I replied before there were gunshots, immediately after they were followed by the screams of frightened people.

"За вами, ребята, следили!?" Katya then exclaims at me which startled me.

"Катя, они бы не пришли сюда, если бы знали, ты честно думаешь, что Хаунт такой?" Holga interjects which Katya scoffs in response.

"Помогите," Holga continued which I nod.

"Покажем этим ублюдкам, с кем они шутят," Katya said as she went out the room unholstering her pistol, meanwhile as Holga unsheathed her katana which glisten a bit once out.

"Похоже, мы будем идти налево, а ты и твоя девушка - направо," Holga then said which I nod in response before she went out of the room to follow after Katya.

"Madness?" Hesh asked presumably intended for the level of violence.

"Combat," I replied before leading the way out, towards the right.

"... on second thought no, discipline yourself, don't involve and utilize anyone who intends to stay out of the fight, we're up against humanity, not anomalies or the supernatural," I remark.

"I'll do my best, worry less," she replied smirking before grinning which didn't reassure me.

After a brief moment of cautiously albeit hastily navigating our way, in search for enemies to kill...

I encountered an enemy who I then shot in the head, Hesh immediately pushed past me to take out two enemies ahead... I looted the corpse for a primary weapon hence I got an AKM as a result, Hesh did the same thing on her end and got the same weapon... the club had this pink, black, red, and purple theme which made the atmosphere worrisome, visually, considering darker shades of clothing would likely benefit from this fight which works to our advantage but for the enemies as well, also there was sexy music playing in the background through all of this... anyway, Hesh and I continued to fight our way through, saving and helping any friendly guards along the way... we ultimately met back up with Holga and Katya, with them a group of guards that were tagging along, unsurprisingly helping.

... we then encountered some bots which unfortunately killed most of the establishment's guards, plus one could've killed Katya but I managed to save her just in time by shooting the bot in the head before it could kill her... suddenly, Hesh's manipulation of reality was sensible, I assumed that she'll be using it against the enemy hence I didn't align myself to be in sync with her manipulation, especially because she's more than enough of capably ending all the enemies in her own palpable duration... unfortunately for me it wasn't her only intention, I realized this after I immediately found myself somewhere off to the side, annoyingly away from the conflict.

My mask was opened up and that my Balaclava was no longer concealing my face, no doubt because of Hesh... my abrupt confusion as a result of this instant development is replaced by surprise when I was suddenly kissed, by her... it was passionate albeit she was aggressive or relentless at it... I was too late to do anything, plus whenever I tried to stop her she resisted and pressed against me more, ultimately I just gave in and indulged in our moment together, convincing myself to not care about anything else apart from enjoying this moment with her... I let it happen especially since I can't get away, unless if I had to kill or injure her badly, which I didn't want... I was about to run out of breath before she suddenly pulled back, enabling us to breathe or replenish our oxygen.

"It's time-... and I fucking hate you! for making me take this slow and proper... but I absolutely love you," she said, breathlessly.

Breathing heavily still, I was about to reply but she suddenly kissed me passionately again, pressing herself against me to make it difficult if I were to try to get her away... unsurprisingly she was enjoying our moment, she savored every bit of it till the end until suddenly albeit simultaneously, this distinct potent sense of madness signature and sinister aura was then present, that and also Hesh was no longer tangible in my hands... in response, immediately I opened my eyes to see that she's now replaced by Juno, but at that moment It didn't immediately register in my mind hence I was startled... my impulsive reaction was intended to shove her away which failed since she's not tangible, instead it only disturbed her mass which then cling back onto me... it wasn't the intention of Hesh... Juno just went with it when she realized what was happening... yes, like Hesh I felt her tongue wrestle mine, but only for a second until I went through her immediately after, which as intended I broke our contact.

"What the fuck!?" I said, flustered and embarrassed.

"It's her fault for kissing you still and especially not quitting when I indicated my imminent return," she replied before residing back within me.

"I didn't know you missed me that much," she adds, meanwhile as I then concealed my face via my Balaclava then closed my H.P. Mask.

"Shut it, bastard," I replied, flustered and embarrassed still which she sensibly grinned in response.

I was about to say something insulting to her and Hesh when I heard Katya call out to me from somewhere far towards my left, I turned to look at her meanwhile as she approached me hastily with a pistol on her hand, once close she spoke.

"Где ты был, черт возьми?" she asked.

"Я заблудился на мгновение," I replied.

"где твоя девушка?" she asked.

"Теперь это не имеет значения, в чем дело?" I replied which made her expression soften, sensibly sad, she assumed Hesh had gotten killed.

"... Мы эвакуируемся секретным путем, пошли," she replied.

"Нет, я останусь и буду отвлекать внимание," I replied.

"Ты сошел с ума!?" she asked, displeased by my response.

"Katya!" we heard Holga exclaim across the room.

"Не делай этого," Katya then said.

"Скорее всего, они не остановятся, если я этого не сделаю, я - надежная приманка, учитывая, что с тех пор я являюсь сообщником," I replied.

"Не имеет значения, если вы не выберетесь из этого, особенно из-за вашего одиночества," she retorts.

"Поверьте, я сделаю это," I replied.

"... Тьфу ты," she said before going away hastily.

I wasted no time and headed towards the entrance of the club, intending to cause trouble for the enemies outside... I then heard Holga call out to me somewhere far from behind which I ignore.

After a moment...

I encountered a four-man team of enemies which were reinforcements intended for the kill squad that were sent in, unsurprisingly Juno and I killed them all trivially.

Not long...

I reached the entrance, from there I stood nearby the door then spoke meanwhile as I intend to use the threat vision of my H.P. Mask.

"How many?" I asked, intended for Juno, specifically for reassurance of the total amount of enemies that I'll battle outside, not counting the enemies who I'll see through the walls now.

"Just six," she replied as Iris highlighted all six of the enemies through the building.

"... I'm ready," I said before familiarity everything instantly transitioned into a plain expanse of dark nothingness.

I then immediately found myself outside nearby one of the parked vans of Akan's mercs which were parked outside, already facing the entrance of the building, meanwhile as all six of the enemies were focused at the entrance expecting me to get out from there... I hastily repositioned myself to a different car which had a convenient line of sight and angle of fire it provided me.

... after mantling my gun conveniently on the roof of the parked car, I then began shooting, I killed three enemies and injured one before I had to take cover... I waited until in anticipation, plus with the help of my intuition, I pushed out from my cover and advanced towards the enemies position at a steady pace, with my gun at the ready... as intended, the remaining enemies peeked out from their cover intended to shoot me, utilizing my celerity I headshot each as a result... I then looked around my surroundings in response to hearing the engine of a vehicle, to realize that the area is devoid of people... a BTR-60 suddenly came into view on the street around a corner, ahead of us, which was heading this way.

"That's a fucking BTR Haunt," Juno comments.

"Holy shit," I meanwhile impulsively said in response to seeing the APC.

I immediately dashed to a car that's parked nearby on a sidewalk, although I was confident I was seen I did it anyway just in case... whilst behind cover I utilized my threat vision to see that the BTR has stopped in the distance.

"Military, they aren't working for Akan, instead they're a response team sent by the government of Moscow to address the conflict you've been part of recently," Iris said.

After a brief moment of quietly waiting behind cover...

I see troops begin to dismount behind it as the turret of the APC adjusted itself to look towards my direction, Juno then spoke in response.

"I thought I made you less insane," Juno said.

... in anticipation, I manipulated reality in the way that I recall in response hence in a sudden burst of speed and momentum I dashed forward behind the cover of another parked vehicle, timely as the BTR shot at my last position utilizing its coaxial which relatively shredded the vehicle I was utilizing as cover recently... I then saw an alleyway ahead which I then dash towards twice which closed the distance between me and it.

Unfortunately the BTR noticed this thus in response, it shot at me using its coaxial before utilizing its main gun too, fortunately I was then teleported away by Juno hence I wasn't harmed... but because of the abruptness, I instead rammed my head to a wall which damaged its surface a bit, making me recoil in surprise, I then shook it off for a second then ran.

"I didn't resurrect you twice in our journey for you to ultimately end up here, in this reality just so you could be outed like that," Juno said which I ignore.

"Delete all the ammo of my AK," I said which she sensibly shrugged and complied.

I then check the mag of my weapon to see that she indeed has deleted all the ammunition, lastly I check to see if there's a bullet chambered in the gun still as to see that it has not... satisfied I dump the AKM on the ground before I spoke as I hastily stride.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"Still in Moscow but far away from where you would've been shot by that APC," she replied as I slow down my pace in response.

After a brief moment of silence between us.

"Interesting," she comments.

"What is?" I asked.

"Your influence about RNG or luck led you to meet interesting people Haunt," she replied.

I didn't know how to feel about that hence I didn't bother to say anything in response as I continued on my way.

"So what's your plan?" she asked.

"I don't know, everything's gone to shit... I'm intending to go to a park to cool off as you can tell," I replied.

"I can teleport us there," she said which I nod hence she teleported us to the park I had in mind which was the same one where I met Jimmy.

After a while...

... Juno was fine about me spending my time at the park which I find odd since I wasn't used to her respecting me that much... she said she'll be entertaining herself in the fabricated space she made within my mind which is like her own private room for activities... at the moment I was still clueless about what I wanted to do next.

Juno suggests numerous things we could do none of which I agreed with... partly because I'm still faced with the reality that I've seemingly lost my friends which bugs me... I sat there quietly thinking which Juno respects before Hesh's phone vibrated in my pocket, the caller was surprisingly Jimmy.

I was happy although my pessimism made me skeptical but I still answered it via Iris patching me through to be able to communicate via my modified ushanka and H.P. Mask... I intended to be deliberate of my words considering since I wasn't sure yet if is indeed Jimmy... also by this point the night was fast approaching.

"Hesh, I sincerely apologize if anything bad happened to Haunt-" he said genuinely apologetic before I cut him off.

"Jimmy it's me, Haunt," I said now reassured that it's actually him.

"... I'm truly sorry if I got Hesh killed Haunt," he replied genuinely apologetic.

"No, she's alright," I replied.

"Then both of you get out of Moscow ASAP... you both don't have to worry about me and Henry anymore, I just called to apologize and say farewell-" he said before I cut him off.

"I broke up with her," I said.

"Wait what, why?" he asked, confused.

"She's a keeper you know," he adds.

"... for her safety, basically," I replied.

"They're intent to kill Akan who's currently in this building called Akan Industries Tower... they both have already informed Akan of their intentions and strangely the adversary is there just waiting," Juno comments.

"Jimmy, where are you and Henry off to?" I asked.

"... we're currently on a suicide mission, we're going to kill Akan at his home base," he replied.

"They've commandeered one of Akan's signature vans for mercs as transport, I can conveniently teleport ourselves inside their vehicle if you want," Juno said.

"I'll help," I said intended for Jimmy.

"No offense, but how... we're quite a distance away and bluntly Henry and I are in the thick of our predicament, I won't risk everything redirecting our course just to come and get you," he replied.

"But if we'll encounter you along our way, we'll definitely stop to let you tag along with us," he continued.

"You will hence keep an eye out for me," I replied before I hung up.

Juno in response to my relevant thoughts then teleported me hence I find myself standing on a sidewalk next to the street Jimmy and Henry will be on... in addition nearby bystanders or civilians were startled and or baffled by my sudden appearance as a result... Juno never questioned and stressed my decision of this commitment for a responsibility and goal which I find strange and in a way unsettling, until she smirked then giggled in response.

"So much for maintaining the cover of normalcy," she comments referring to the people witnessing my sudden appearance.

"Maintaining a relatively sense of normalcy," I retort which she sensibly grinned in response.

"Or in other words a necessary compromise," she adds.

... I waited on the sidewalk for the van Jimmy and Henry are using for transport all the while ignoring the people around me, especially the witnesses who have chosen to stay nearby look at me, curious... a few were too curious though hence I had to tell them I wasn't going to explain myself about my sudden appearance.

Eventually...

The van had to skid to stop for me, immediately after a familiar voice spoke which was coming from the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

"Get in the back laddie!" Colonel Jimmy said which I complied.

Once I was inside and after closing the door behind me I immediately noticed someone who's crippled in a wheelchair that had a device on his head... Henry was the one who was driving and he immediately continued to drive on once I was conveniently seated.

"It's good to see you, friend," the Colonel said, genuinely happy as he's holding a PPSH-41 as his primary.

"Also if you're wondering who's the cripple, it's me, the real Jimmy, I couldn't just leave myself at our compromised albeit destroyed lab hence why I included the word everything in our dialogue from our call," he explained which I nod in response.

"... how'd you know which road to wait?" he then asked.

"Lucky guess, I felt awkward and anxious just standing there knowing I would be likely wrong, fortunately I wasn't, otherwise I would've wasted time for nothing," I replied.

After a moment of silence between all three of us...

"Again this is a suicide mission, we're heading towards the building known as Akan Industries Tower, that cunt is in there somewhere, he's already aware that we'll be coming right over for a visit," he said.

"I have a death wish, don't worry, he'll be surprised to realize that he'll be dealing with three enemies instead of two," I replied.

"... oh, uh, Haunt, there should be an AK back there," he said.

"Yup," I said finding it which was bloodied a bit, I grabbed it then utilized its sling after it was surely set to safe.

After a brief moment of silence between all three of us...

"Outnumbered and lacking ammunition, what a night this will be for us three musketeers," he comments.

"... whatever happens, even if we'll likely fail, at least we tried, at least I've got to meet and befriend you both," he adds which Henry salutes via one hand as I gave a nod in response.

"I apologize for involuntarily bringing bad luck, considering how in a very short amount of time, things took huge turns for the worst," I said which made the Colonel chuckle in response.

"You did nothing wrong lad besides I highly doubt it's because of you, don't dispirit yourself," he replied.

"... I'll do my best not to," I replied smiling a bit.

Eventually...

We arrived at the front of the building which was spacious and completely devoid of people... if our journey to get here wasn't suspicious and strange enough considering we haven't encountered any resistance along our way... what we were met by our arrival has only reinforced those notions, Henry and I stayed in the van wary meanwhile as the Colonel exited the vehicle... he went towards the middle of this courtyard then spoke.

"Akan is a cunt!" he announced.

After a moment of uneventful silence...

He looked back at us which Henry and I shrugged in response before we began to dismount... once Henry got the real Jimmy out of the vehicle, the Colonel then went behind the cripple and took the responsibility in wheeling himself forward.

Henry and I vigilantly took point heading towards the building with our weapons at the ready... once inside we immediately discovered a lot of lined-up body bags on the floor, from the trail of blood alone it was fresh.

"Poor chaps," Colonel Jimmy comments.

in a fast sequence, suddenly in anticipation I turn around and immediately shoot in a semi-automatic fashion back in the direction somewhere specific behind Colonel Jimmy which startled him and he froze as a result.

The enemy was bulletproof because of the armor he was equipped but shooting him at the head staggered and dazed him which made him blindly utilize his flamethrower as a result whilst flinching from my bullets... although the Colonel was startled by the suddenness he pushed crippled Jimmy out of danger with a kick hence he was wheeling forwards away from both the enemy and Colonel... he then shot the tanker behind the enemy thus it exploded and engulfed the enemy in flames.

... Immediately after I look back at Henry who was now on the floor to save him from an enemy, he presumably knocked down, by this person who was utilizing a ballistic shield... In anticipation I had to dodge and weave bit to avoid getting shot at by the enemy's comrades who were also using ballistic shields... in response, I utilized my celerity I manage to shoot off the weapons of five enemies in an instant.

... unfortunately it's then that I ran out of ammunition, but what is fortunate is that suddenly the entire enemy force fell dead simultaneously which is no doubt Juno's doing, as a result I expressed my thanks conceptually which she sensibly grinned in response... although what the Colonel did to eliminate the enemy wielding a flamethrower was dangerously close to him, he luckily wasn't hurt, but his shoes were a bit burnt... Henry once again looked at me in response to the sudden termination of all enemies at once.

"Don't question it," I said in response as I went over to help him get back up.

"That was worrisome, good job lads," the Colonel said as he went to go get his crippled self.

"Elevators are a death trap," I said courtesy of Juno informing me in my mind.

"Understood, looks like Akan isn't that enthusiastic about meeting us," the Colonel replied meanwhile as Henry grabbed one of the bulletproof shields that was on the floor.

"If I remember correctly, the way up should be right around this way," the Colonel said leading the way whilst wheeling his real self with him.

After some time of us making our way up the floors whilst encountering some resistance along our way...

I tossed Henry a shotgun I had looted from a dead enemy, he caught it before advancing meanwhile as I hastily relocate away from my position with my pistol raised at the ready... although we were outnumbered, all three of us managed to efficiently move up the levels... Juno although she's just within me indulging in the challenge we're faced has also significantly helped at times albeit subtly via her anomalous means.

"The authorities have now arrived at the building in response to the continuing ruckus, if you want more blood, likely innocent mixed with your enemies then I suggest you slow down," Juno said before smirking.

As a result of the news, I doubled my efforts albeit being deliberately reckless... I obviously didn't want the police to catch up to us and get involved in our conflicts because I'll be forced to kill them as well.

After some time, eventually...

Utilizing my celerity I threw the fire axe in anticipation at a bot before I dashed back a bit hence I quickly avoided getting meleed by another bot... I punched him in the face which dented before I looked around to realize those were the last enemies on this floor... suddenly speakers then came on and a familiar voice then spoke.

"What a grind and truly the power of friendship, anyway, I'm on the floor above waiting for my intervention and please do take the elevator, I guarantee it's not a cheap means to get you all killed," Akan said.

"He's right, it's not rigged," Juno said to me in my mind.

"Haunt?" the Colonel asked as he and Henry looked at me intended for confirmation which I nod in response.

"Hopefully all of you aren't burdened by your previous fights to get this far, otherwise it's guaranteed all of you have only come to meet your ends," Akan said.

"Oh and also she's still alive Henry, don't keep her waiting," Akan adds.

"... alright, Haunt will you guard my crippled self on this floor by your lonesome?" the Colonel asked which I nod in response.

"I hope you can understand that Henry and I have some personal issues with this bastard we would like to address, personally," he replied.

"I understand," I replied with a reassuring nod.

"Akan has this telekinetic ability, plus considering he sounded unperturbed by our presence he has something up his sleeve up there... If Henry and I fail, then I apologize in advance," he adds.

"... at least none of us will die alone," I retorted which made Henry smile and the Colonel chuckle.

The Colonel then saluted at me which I returned before he turned around to hastily walk away, intending to find the elevator Akan was talking about... Henry then communicated to me via sign language.

"It's been an honor fighting alongside you, comrade," Henry meant.

"Likewise," I sign back which he nod before following after the Colonel.

After a while...

The real Jimmy is in a spot somewhere near the elevator which the Colonel and Henry used to get to the upper floor of this level... Juno offered to protect the real Jimmy by placing him in a concrete box which she'll artificially make, guaranteed that he'll be alright and be provided a light source whilst within which I agreed... at this point I'm utilizing this cover I've made from furniture nearby the area... I was expecting to ultimately fight the police who are still ascending the building which I didn't look forward to.

... the conflict from the upper floors above this level had already begun which audibly sounded intense, as also indicated by a few enemies falling off the building coming from that level... suddenly a multitude of ruckus particularly gunfire sounded off from the level beneath me, the authorities who were intent to ascend encountered trouble which was surprising since we swept each floor of enemies.

"Oh shit, welp this makes things interesting," Juno said in response before she went out of me via her spiritual means.

"What is?" I asked as she began moving onwards.

"Just follow me," she replied which I vaulted over my cover then caught up with her.

... she led me to this spacious lobby area before she stopped and resided back within me, I was about to ask why she wanted me to follow her here until a multitude of enemies came around every corner of the hallways and entryways... we were basically surrounded, plus evidently we're also unfairly outnumbered and outgunned.

"Bots, the deadly booster variants, they've got technologically advanced armor on," Iris comments.

"Where the hell did they all come from?" I asked before Juno manipulated reality and time hence basically everything was paused apart from us.

"From secret rooms, unfortunately, this level had some dedicated to housing these enemies when they're inactive, I slipped, so did Iris thus we weren't able to inform you in advance," Juno replied.

"I apologize Haunt," Iris apologetically said.

"It doesn't matter now," I replied.

I was at a loss of what to do in response or I didn't know how to start since at that time it's been forever since I had to face such circumstances again, even if familiar but under different settings... Juno in response to my thoughts then smirked before grinning, she then spoke.

"In a way, this situation seems familiar don't you think?" she asked referring to the incidents which I recall.

"Indeed, it is," I replied as my loathe for her, kindled.

I then had an idea hence I intended to manipulate reality in this way which I recall to specifically and conveniently place fabricated forces within the heads of my enemies, I then simply tweak these to explode... unfortunately I couldn't because Juno didn't want that to happen.

"Sorry, but no," Juno said making me incapable of doing what I intend before smirking, impulsively I grunt in response, annoyed.

I immediately unholster my pistol intending to seize this opportunity to thin out the numbers of my enemies instead, but unfortunately again Juno denied me of this hence I couldn't pull the trigger of my pistol.

"Fucking hell Juno," I impulsively albeit angrily said which made her giggle.

... in instances like that, I can't do anything to fulfill my intended outcome... in alignment with what I recall relevant to the matter I angrily albeit silently wait for what she'll say and the conditions I have to tolerate... her being like this, it's absolute I had no choice but to put up with her bullshit... nothing can stop her apart from a different Auditor... you see, the reality and existential principles and fundamentals that anchor everything in this plane of existence do not apply to Auditors.

... although fabricated means to bypass these principles of reality do exist whether it be magic or something else... but anything applied or used against Auditors like Juno is pointless since it'll only inevitably add to their awareness thus be subjected to fall under their rule to be manipulated at their discretion and volition... anyway, both my hands were then engulfed by the same matter Juno is made of for a second which frightened me... when it disappeared it revealed that my H.P. gloves were replaced.

"Physics gloves," Juno replied before she trivially informed me of how they work via her effortless anomalous conceptual means while I inspect the gloves visually.

"If you want I'll replace them with the physics gun instead," she continues.

My pistol was then engulfed by the same flame-like Musou black matter for a second before disappearing to reveal it was replaced by a revolver that had a convenient small screen attachment and some integrated small tech parts... the screen on it displayed a text which read "Desk tool".

"Tool gun that can only spawn desks," Juno said.

"... what the fuck kind of conditions are these?" I asked, confused and annoyed.

"I want to see how you can manage to make these workable, it's been a long time since I've stressed your aptitude for being cunning or crafty considering also that you're apt," she replied.

"... Innocent people down below would likely get killed if I utilize any of these from up here," I remark as my loathe and contempt for her begins to kindle.

"... alright fine," Juno replied grinning whilst she undoes all her provided creations simultaneously.

I was then entirely engulfed by the same matter she's made up of for a second before it all disappeared to reveal that she equipped me with my complete H.P. Armor set... not only that because my pistol was now replaced by a different one, so too was my primary which was originally an AKM.

My pistol which was originally a Makarov is now the FK BRNO 7.5 specifically the 10mm variant, meanwhile my primary is now a custom VZ. 58 specifically the short-barreled variant... both weapons were one of the many that I like... I was speechless of her decisions but was happily content which she giggled in response to my reaction.

"I was just messing with you for a bit *giggle*, armored up and set up to kill but I will not upgrade you to make it fair for your enemies," she said.

"One against seemingly thirty plus seems balanced... it's not like I can't get killed if they attack me all at once, brute force and all even if I'm wearing armor," I replied sarcastically.

"I'll revive you if that happens which I doubt hence quit whinging... plus you're not alone," she replied before grinning, a tinge of her mischief is then sensible which had me nervous.

"I thought you'd be indulging in the madness, spectating?" I asked.

"Oh I am, I was referring to your battle buddy," she replied.

"Battle buddy?" I asked.

... I was surprised when SCP-066 then appeared mid-air in front of me before landing on the floor, no doubt Juno spawned it... it emitted this bit of Happy Birthday tune as it rolls to bump my left foot lightly... I found what it did cute even if its appearance as an entity is the opposite, especially considering what I know about it.

"Eric?" it asked before it began rolling towards a group of enemies somewhere ahead of me.

"Uh, bud, none of them are Eric," I said intended for it which made Juno giggle.

"Also worry less, if things get too unfavorable I'll help," she said.

"Anyway, let loose... do what comes natural," she continued before everything resumed back to normalcy.

All the enemies stared at me for a moment, they're also presumably perplexed because from their perspective I instantly changed to my now armored self... the enemies who are being approached by SCP-066 only looked down and stared at it.

"Eric?" I heard it ask, the enemies in response neglect it and focused their attention back to me.

... the second the enemies moved intending to charge at or shoot me, SCP-066 then suddenly emitted its terribly loud symphonic music bit which successfully dazed all the enemies in the area... furthermore, some of the enemies were even knocked unconscious and that nearby glass broke too as a result... I wasn't harmed by the loud emission of SCP-066 because of my H.P. Helmet's ear protection, as for all the glass exploding, I was unscathed because of my armor.

"Playing Break The Rules by Simon Viklund," Iris then said by the command of Juno.

⟨Music Plays⟩

I found the scene impulsively amusing hence I laughed immediately after which I then stifle before proceeding to shoot most of the enemies albeit grinning... fortunately the enemies wore their armor to a certain extent but had the potential to be practically bulletproof, unless if I hit these variants in their weak spot my bullets would just bounce off... Juno in response to my sudden instance of maniacal amusement of the scene was sensibly delighted.

After some time of hectic and tense violence or combat...

I've killed the last of the bots on this level... at this point I was bloodied, the place was an all-out mess which was coupled by some horrific amount of blood and the corpses of my enemies... SCP-066 in the entire duration of the fight only sounded off twice, presumably it was disturbed as the conflict went on and decided to hide somewhere... out of all the ammunition Juno provided me for my weapons, two put pf three pistol mags were expended whilst only two out of four for my primary weapon.

... as I stood there on edge and unsure at that moment if I really did clear this entire floor since there were a lot of enemies I had to kill, the conflict stressed my skill concerning melee and gun-fu... it would've been much more convenient if I had my combat shovel but according to Juno it would've been easier... suddenly, SCP-066 then went into my line of sight by coming out from a pile of furniture debris, it rolled towards me.

"Eric?" it asked after stopping in front of me.

I expected it to suddenly blare that bit of symphony again but instead I was surprised when it transformed back to its original form... particularly its state of being before experiencing the incident that made it Euclid... it was presumably because of my anomalous proximal effect, SCP-066 was now a colorful tangled mass of yarn hence I was speechless... Juno then de-spawned it which made me impulsively frown in response.

"I'm sorry to ruin that moment but Jimmy or the cripple needs to be addressed," she said which reminded me of Jimmy and Henry hence I hastily go back.

When I reached the area wherein we left Jimmy, Juno then removed the concrete walls that were covering or rather protecting him.

"What the fuck?" Jimmy said in response to what he was witnessing.

"What- Haunt, is that you?" I heard him ask, noticing me from afar as I made my way to him which I nod in response.

"You look like you've been through some shit, I presume you fought a fuck ton of Akans cybernetically enhanced bastards as well, judging from how bloody you are," he said when I was now near him.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Henry's alone on the rooftop, we fought hard and well until Akan killed the Colonel," he replied, saddened.

"Want me to teleport all of us at the rooftop?" Juno then asked.

"Haunt, how'd you get this much armor on? you look like you're ready for war," Jimmy meanwhile asked.

"Jimmy, do you trust me?" I asked.

"What kind of question is that? obviously I do all things considered," he replied.

Juno then teleported all of us to the rooftop hence we were greeted by the sight of the aftermath of the conflict Jimmy and Henry were part of... the area of the rooftop was a general mess, it had a lot of corpses scattered about but what then got my attention was the sound of a rotors... I looked in the direction of the source to see a hovering helicopter which was at the moment in the air beyond the rooftop of the building, kinda nearby the helipad, the helicopter was specifically a military MI-8.

"Henry's inside," Juno said before she spawned in Hesh beside Jimmy which startled and bewildered him more.

"What the fuck- Hesh?" he asked.

"Hello bub, cool wheels," Hesh replied.

"... what the fuck is going on?" Jimmy replied.

"I'll keep Jimmy safe," Hesh then said as she looked at me, she was holding a Tau Cannon as her primary.

"Can someone please explain-" I heard Jimmy say before I was teleported away by Juno.

I was now at the cargo or back compartment within the helicopter which startled Henry by my sudden appearance... he was sitting down on the floor looking defeated, like me he was bloodied.

"Henry it's me, Haunt," I said.

"... how?" he question.

"I'm anomalous for short," I said offering my hand out for him to grab which he took hence I helped him up back onto his feet.

"Where'd you get all that armor?" he question.

"From someone special," I replied which made Juno sensibly roll her eyes at me.

"You look like you've been through some shit," he comments before smiling.

"Not as much as you," I replied.

Suddenly, I heard the door which would lead access to the pilots of the vehicle open up, hence I turn around to see a person who's wearing a varsity jacket and a rooster mask... I unholster my pistol thus this person pulled out a hammer in response meanwhile as Henry stopped me hence I looked at him.

"Friendly, he's a member of Bain's crew," he meant which I nod in response.

I looked back at the person before I reluctantly holstered my pistol, as a result of this he brought out a tape recorder which he utilizes via his free hand to communicate hence.

"Thank you very much, *Tape Scratch Sound* for listening," he said via the tape recorder which relayed the words by a distinctly feminine voice, I nod at him in response as he kept his hammer.

"Henry, are you and your wife okay? I think I heard gunshots back there a moment ago," I hear the pilot of the helicopter ask.

"Um where?" I asked looking back at Henry, confused since he's here alone.

"I've been lied to, she and Akan-," he begins before pausing a bit.

"She told me to listen to my heart and I did hence I broke up with her," he continued.

"How did it go?" I asked.

Henry then points somewhere specific towards the interior walls of the helicopter in the back compartment, I saw a bloody handprint that had two capitalized letters on it which read "EZ", I looked back at him with a double thumbs up in response.

"Where's Akan?" I asked.

"Dead," he replied before pointing somewhere specific again, this time somewhere behind him hence I saw the top half of Akan's decapitated head.

"I don't think that's supposed to go there," Jacket comments via his tape recorder.

"Okay I'll be landing us back to the helipad since the duration of stalling is done now I guess," the pilot meanwhile said.

Eventually...

We landed back at the rooftop utilizing the helipad mainly to get Jimmy onboard which I took the responsibility for... as I was wheeling him in the helicopter Jimmy then spoke.

"To be honest, the moment I witnessed you kill those enemies nearby that warehouse, I knew you were anomalous to a degree... but I didn't think you'd be this anomalous," Jimmy said.

"Let's keep this secret contained," I replied.

"Oh, okay then," he replied with a nod.

I then turned around and exited the helicopter intending to meet with Hesh who was nearby, was smiling whilst looking at me intently... she winked at me before she spoke.

"Beautiful view noh? minus the debris, blood, and corpses," she asked looking around for a bit.

"Yes," I replied taking in the view the rooftop provides briefly, she then suddenly hugged me.

"I'm a mess," I said.

"Doesn't matter, considering I'll be gone and I'm a person who is used to death and blood, besides mess or not I love you," she retorts hence I hug her back.

"... I'm sorry for not pulling away when we were kissing, if I wasn't longing for us getting intimate I would've... like I said in the past, I want you to be my first and only," she said which made my heart impulsively flutter in response.

"Goodbye for now Haunt," she adds putting her forehead against mine before Juno despawned her.

... I stood there for a second, processing the genuine development of Hesh... digressing I boarded back into the helicopter, speechless still meanwhile as Juno smirks in response.

"Is Hesh really gone?" Jimmy asked, once I was inside the helicopter.

"For now," I replied.

After some time, eventually...

We all dismounted the helicopter, currently, we are somewhere far off in the outskirts of Moscow in a clearing... moreover, there was an SUV nearby that was parked which helped the helicopter provide some lighting in the area for us to see, it's definite that this operation was planned... after turning off the rotors the Pilot then went out, he approached us along with his friend that was wearing the rooster mask and varsity jacket, he then spoke.

"Jimmy and Henry already know who I am, but for you my friend, my name is Vlad," he said looking at me.

"My friend right here who's wearing the rooster mask, his name is Jacket," he continued.

"Hi, *Tape Scratch Sound* what a lovely day right?" Jacket said via his tape recorder.

"Yes, I find this season serene," I replied.

"Also that's Wick," Vlad then said pointing somewhere behind me.

I turned around to see a person in a suit that had medium-length hair and currently holding a customized assault rifle as his primary, he went past me, Henry and Jimmy to join Vlad and Jacket who are standing in front of us.

"The, John Wick," Vlad said intended as emphasis.

"... I've only heard of him now," I replied.

... John Wick must've had a remarkable reputation because Vlad briefly blinks several times fast whilst looking at me, an expression of surprise before facing John who just shrugs in response.

"I'm an assassin hence clandestine is also something I strive to maintain," John said as he looked at Vlad.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Haunt," John continued looking at me which I nod in response.

"Anyway... oh right, hold on for just a minute," Vlad continued looking back at us before pulling out his phone, he utilized it hastily to contact someone.

"Oh and also, we were tasked and thoroughly informed by this young pretty woman named Audrey, she sends her regards to all you three," he adds as he pressed his phone to his ear, waiting for the receiver to answer.

"... hello... yep, they're here... we're currently standing in the drop point freezing... mhm, yeah," he said intended for the person he's in contact with.

"Alright," he said, he set his phone to loudspeaker before offering his phone for me which I took.

"Haunt?" Bain asked via the phone.

"I'm here," I replied.

"Thank God... look I didn't give anything back in return as appreciation for helping Jimmy and Henry save me from his enemies that day, speaking of which, thank you by the way," he said.

"No problem," I replied.

"Also I've been informed that you no longer have your girlfriend with you, condolences for your loss," he said.

"Don't worry, they've just temporarily broken up, she's fine," Jimmy replied for me.

"Oof, at least the outcome isn't that bad unlike what I had assumed when I heard your girlfriend was no longer with you," Bain said.

"Anyway... so what was I gonna say again... oh, right, I'm the creator of this high-end medium, I'm offering you a position to be part of my crew for future profitable endeavors," he said which got Jimmy's attention hence in response he went next to me with the help of Henry.

"This opportunity to be part of my crew, it's my way of giving something back for helping me, trust me when I say that you'll profit a lot," he continued.

"Helping Jimmy recover from his losses will be enough to pay your owed favor to me," I replied which he chuckles.

"Jimmy is my friend and he's always been part of my crew for a long time, hence that doesn't count since he will definitely be helped," he replied which I looked at Jimmy in response.

"It's definite that I wasn't entirely being honest with you Haunt, sorry about that," Jimmy said apologetically which I shrug in response.

"... to be honest I'm surprised, this opportunity is special you know, I mean think about it Haunt... you'll get rich, go to different places in the world, meet new people, and make new friends," he adds before Juno's manipulation was sensible hence everything paused except for us, she then spoke.

"Even though being aware of what will happen in the future is lame and anticlimactic as shit, I did it anyway, with that said, if you choose to accept, the ramifications are indeed interesting, lore-wise," she said.

"Your adventures including everyone involved will ultimately lead you all to discover and solve an enigma about a history few only know... plus relevant albeit particular artifacts of the past will also be involved," she explained.

"In addition, angels and the concept of immortality will also be referenced," Juno adds before resuming normalcy.

"Give me a moment to decide," I said intended for Jimmy and Bain.

After a moment of quietly contemplating, deliberately...

"... no, I'll pass," I said.

"You sure?" Bain asked.

"Really Haunt?" Juno meanwhile asked in my mind in response.

"Absolutely," I replied intended for both of them.

"... well damn, I really thought you'd be interested in earning vast sums," he replied.

"I told you he was strange," Jimmy said intended for Bain.

"Welp looks like it's settled then, I apologize for wasting your time on this bit Haunt," Bain said.

"Likewise," I replied.

"Don't worry, if Haunt changes his mind I'll let you know," Jimmy said intended for Bain.

"Whatever the case, if we ever encounter you somewhere and at some point again in the future Haunt, just know that you've earned our respect and trust, truly," Bain said.

"Acknowledged," I replied.

"Anyway, good luck on your future endeavors my friend," he said before he ended the call, I ten gave the phone back to Vlad before I turned around to look at Jimmy and spoke.

"I'm not changing my mind, I've got my own problems to tend to, basically farewell," I said.

"... that's shit, you're gone just like that?" he replied.

"Yeah, just like that," I replied which made him and Henry sad.

"I agree, this goodbye is crap," Henry then meant which I shrug in response.

After a brief moment of silence...

"What's your real name at least?" Jimmy then asked hence I asked Juno in mind in response, albeit intending to know but not tell.

"Your real name is Gave Kozlov," she replied before sensibly smiling.

"... I prefer to be only known as Haunt, I'm sorry," I said.

"Oh, no need to apologize, you did nothing wrong," Jimmy replied.

"Can Henry and I take a picture with you at least, for remembrance and evidence that you do actually exist, memories can be unreliable," Jimmy said.

"... sure," I replied which made him and Henry happy.

"Alright, Vlad you'll be our photographer," Jimmy then said.

"I'm not paid for this shit, plus Henry and Haunt are bloody," Vlad replied.

"Five dollars," Jimmy replied.

"How about a grand?" he replied.

"It's either you get paid five dollars or none plus you'll lose some friendship points from me," Jimmy retorts

"... welp, five dollars it is," he replied.

"Hey you two, get included in the photo, c'mon," Jimmy then said intended for both Jacket and John.

"Why not," John said looking at Jacket before coming over to us.

"Affirmative," Jacket replied via his tape recorder before following behind John.

"Great, looks like I'm the only one not in frame," Vlad comments.

"You're in the frame of our unreliable memories," Jimmy replied which made Vlad chuckle.

"Cheeky fuck, if I've known there'd be the likelihood of picture taking I would've maybe brought a stand for this," he replied smiling whilst contemplating the right angle to take the picture.

After a moment of preparation...

"Everyone good?" Vlad asked.

"Seems like it, yeah," Jimmy replied glancing at all of us.

"Alright... three, two, one," Vlad said before taking the picture of us.

"Smile for the camera," Jacket meanwhile said via his tape recorder.

"Hold on, let me do another one, but this time it's a selfie so that I'm included," Vlad then said with a smile, we all complied.

After some time, eventually...

At this point it's early in the morning, currently I'm now onboard a surprising advanced train... according to Juno it'll lead us to a lot of potentially interesting events that has reliable potential of creating ramification via events we'll take part in, which will ultimately benefit many... in addition, Holga, Katya, Audrey are alright after all of this... but according to Juno, all three of them were genuinely sad when they realized you already left, let alone all of a sudden without notice... since they didn't had the chance to properly say their goodbyes to me... in a way I was sad too.

... I'm wearing the exact clothes I wore when I was introduced to this reality hence I'm wearing a black ushanka, my H.P. Mask, black hoodie jacket, grey fingerless gloves, grey cargo pants, and my H.P. Boots... the only difference is that I don't have the body armor and a holstered pistol on me.

"To be honest, I thought you left me to do whatever in a different place," I then said which Juno grinned in response.

"It's unnecessary that you need to say it to me considering I'm already aware of the contents in your mind," she replied.

"You rather there'd be no narrative or dialogue then?" I asked annoyed which she giggles in response.

"I'm just teasing you," she replied before sensibly grinning.

After a moment of silence...

The train then began its journey which is beyond Moscow, fortunately passengers weren't that many hence I was alone where I sat, Juno then spoke.

"Finally, it's mainly just you and me now," Juno then said as I look outside through the nearby window of where I'm seated.

"Unless if you bring back Hesh or spawn in some troops," I replied.

"You want me to bring back Hesh?" Juno asked before sensibly smirking.

"Fuck off," I impulsively replied flustered which she sensibly grinned in response.

After a brief moment of silence...

"... if I told you that you're my favorite which you are, would it contribute to you raising your opinion about yourself," she then asked.

"... nope, instead I feel even more cursed," I replied which made her giggle.

"At least I and including fellow my creations, like Hesh, have improved in being tolerable for you now... well, tolerable enough," Juno said.

"If only people were me and knew of what I recall everything about you and your troops... they'll either kill themselves, lose to insanity and guilt or loathe you, rightly so," I retort as my contempt and loathe for her kindled.

"... I loathe you both, most especially you, prick," I continued which made her grin.

"... If you like it when I'm mean then I can't even make you feel bad when I talk shit which sucks," I add which made her giggle in response

After a brief moment of silence...

"I can kill myself repeatedly until you give up on me," I then retort which made her sensibly frown.

"... don't do that and indulge in that concept, please," she replied without her conceptual blockade hence making me realize she's genuinely worried which I sigh in response.

"... you understand the gist about why it's fucking tough right?" I asked mainly intended as a reminder which she sensibly nod in response.

"Why do you even care," I continued now melancholic.

"... guilt, that's why... its something that matters to me now, although only to an extent but still, I acknowledge it... plus I wanted to," she replied, genuinely.

"... show me again the variants of mine that weren't subjected or-... fall under the category of what I entirely recall about you," I said which she complied coupled by removing her conceptual blockade hence adding to the genuineness.

"Why are my ramifications virtually tragic?" I asked.

"... unfortunately there are people set for something so that others can cascade or for this continued ramification of potentialities... you've always been virtually or consistently tethered," she replied which made me melancholic and speechless.

After a moment of silence between us as I quietly introspect...

"No, I will not do that Haunt," Juno then said in response to my brewing thoughts about suggesting the instant deletion of the existential entirety or presence of myself in every reality, basically a wipeout.

"I deem the value of this outcome as rightly compensation... besides you'll achieve your silver lining and my good ending," I remark which made sensibly frowned in response.

"... reality and existence are two separate things, your plane of existence isn't finite, it's indeterminate, unmeasurable, and an infinite expanse of narratives... inevitably there are limits and there are things that can't be controlled or manipulated... besides that's not how I want things to end," she explained.

"... in addition, it's not a worthwhile endeavor considering also how absurdly minuscule the outcome will be, which from a visual standpoint will appear like we did nothing... you'll only achieve a step-up definitive of bias coupled with the likelihood of unforeseen consequences," she adds.

"My current status already is considered," I retort.

"I don't care, drop this," she replied dismissively albeit sternly, annoyed by my persistence.

"... well forgive me you cunt! I can't find any more senseless reason to keep going... I wanna fucking end myself, but-... but I can't... I can't because of damned hope... DAMNED HOPE AND YOU!" I impulsively replied sternly as my sheer contempt and loathing for everything spiked, my hostility then transitioned to melancholy.

"... I apologize Haunt, truly, I'm sorry," she said genuinely apologetic, saddened.

... she then presumably made any passengers who are at earshot or nearby to instantly forget my outburst and ignore us via her anomalous means which was convenient.

"... I'm just so goddamn hopeless... pointless," I impulsively said albeit defeated as tears begin to form in my eyes a bit because of my melancholy.

Juno was speechless... she removed her conceptual blockade which made me aware that she's genuinely remorseful and sad... she contemplated spawning in Hesh intended as a means to help me but then decided against it to acknowledge her guilt... as a result, this is one of those instances wherein she earned a part of my respect.

After a moment of silence...

"... wanna relatively offset what happened via vibing?" she asked.

"... sure," I replied with a nod which she sensibly smiled in response as I opened up my mask to wipe the tears on my eyes.

"Playing Sleepwalking by The Chain Gang of 1974," Iris then said.

⟨Music Plays⟩

"... also can you put your conceptual blockade up? you're hindering my attempts to get my shit together," I asked meanwhile which made her sensibly smile albeit sad still before she complied.

"I just want you to be aware of the genuineness," she said which made me impulsively smile a bit in response, although sad but hoping.

"Acknowledged," I replied before I laid comfortably back on my seat then looking outside the window to indulging in my thoughts.

"... you've changed, at least, that's reinforcing hope," I add intended to acknowledge more of her to an extent change of character.

"At least, *chuckle* I'm happy, truly," she replied before sensibly smiling, contented.

⟨End Of Recording⟩

---

Next: Chapter 3 - "Reminiscence."